BWH Celebrates Diversity at Annual Ujima Event

As a registered nurse in Oncology on Tower 5A, Dany Hilaire, RN, has earned the admiration and respect of patients, families and her colleagues at BWH.

"She treats every patient with compassion and kindness," said Eileen Molina, MS, RN, nursing director of Tower 5AB. "She is also a role model for our young and diverse staff members. Her future as a leader for our nursing practice is extremely bright."

For her contributions to enriching BWH's multicultural community, Hilaire was one of two BWHers honored with this year's Ujima Award.

Bishop Enos Gardiner, of Chaplaincy Services, also received the award for his work with the BWH and Roxbury communities.

"Enos brings tremendous gifts and strengths to Chaplaincy, to the hospital and to the wider community," said Kathleen Gallivan, PhD, director of Chaplaincy, who nominated Gardiner for the award. "He always goes the extra mile. He covers overnight shifts on short notice, quietly attends or presides at a patient's or staff member's funeral and spends extra time with colleagues in need of support. He has served on the Ethics Committee and is regularly called upon to assist patients and families from the African-American and Haitian communities."

The awards were presented during the6th annual Ujima celebration, which took place on March 13 in the Cabot Atrium. The event featured music, food and performances by the Ujima Choir that drew the crowd to its feet.

The Ujima Choir delivers a spirited performance.

One of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, Ujima is a celebration of family, community and culture. The Ujima Award was established at BWH in 2008 to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of multicultural members of our community.

In addition to celebratory remarks by BWH leaders, including BWH President Betsy Nabel, MD, and Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services Jackie Somerville, PhD, RN, this year's celebration featured Ujima Visiting Scholar Ora Strickland, PhD, RN, FAAN, Florida International University dean and professor. Strickland spoke about the importance of practicing the Ujima principle.

"Ujima starts with each one of us," she said. "We all play a role in making our community a better place and ensuring our diverse patients receive the best care possible."